Skin Care Tips for Dry Fall Skin

It happens every year: summer winds down and the cool weather slowly makes its way in.  As hard as it can be to pack away those shorts and summer dresses, it feels good to drag out the sweaters and the jeans.

Don’t forget though, just because your jeans and sweaters cover your skin doesn’t mean that you can take a break on your skin regimen.  Proper care can mean the difference between healthy skin and dry flaky skin.

Smart Skin Move #1: Exfoliate

Summer spent in the sun can make your skin appear dull.  Exfoliation can remove the dull outer layer of skin, and unclog pores.  Exfoliate a couple times a week with an exfoliating cleanser or with Clarisonic.

Another exfoliation option: Microdermabrasion or chemical peels, done with Bari our aesthetician. These procedures are more effective and quicker at removing the superficial dead layer of the skin.

Smart Skin Move #2: Switch cleansers

Your skin was probably oilier than usual in the summer, due to heat and humidity, so a deeper-cleansing face wash was in order. But come fall, when the heat begins to disappear, you need a gentler cleanser. Look for a non-soap product, which removes dirt and impurities but doesn’t strip your skin’s natural oils. Try a toner if you tend to be oily in the T-zone area after you cleanse.

Smart Skin Move #3: Add moisturizer

Whether you used only your sunscreen or skipped moisturizer altogether in the summer, you’ll need to add this product back into your routine in the fall. Choose a basic moisturizer which contains potent anti oxidants and rich emollients to protect, moisturize and soothe dry, tender skin.  These ingredients neutralize the damaging toxins from the sun, and can help prevent further damage. Even during the fall/winter days, continue to apply sunscreen as your everyday moisturizer.

Smart Skin Move #4: Try eye cream

Older skin is prone to showing fine lines and a crepey texture around the eyes. And sun exposure exacerbates these problems. An eye treatment can help smooth the eye area again. Look for a product containing hyaluronic acid, an ingredient that effectively holds moisture onto the skin.

Smart Skin Move #5: Combat brown spots

Post-summer, you may notice more dark spots on your face. These spots are signs of sun damage-plus, they make you look older. To help remove them, try a bleaching cream containing the ingredient hydroquinone.   Bleaching creams work by slowing the production of pigment deep in the skin; they usually take a minimum of six weeks to work. While there are several bleaching creams available over the counter, you’ll have better effects with a prescription cream. That’s because OTC bleaching products contain very small (read: generally ineffective) percentages of their active ingredients.

Smart Skin Move #6: Get a skin check-up

With over 50,000 new cases of melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, diagnosed each year, fall is the perfect time to schedule a skin check with Dr. Evansy. This is especially crucial if you spent your summer in the sun, as moles can change and become abnormal quickly. Dr. Evans can thoroughly examine your skin, looking for abnormalities and suspicious moles, so you can clear up any possible problems before they become serious.

Schedule an appointment for a skin evaluation and Dr. Evans will customize a skin care regimen that is right for you!  Check out our products Our Products Page